WCS Academy

May 08, 2024

As far as the calendar is concerned, spring is half over, despite the sense for many of us in 2017 that is yet to begin!...

Seeds to Start in May

May 08, 2024

As far as the calendar is concerned, spring is half over, despite the sense for many of us in 2017 that is yet to begin! There are still dozens of seeds to start in...

How To Grow Three Sisters Mix

December 12, 2022

Corn, beans, and squash have been grown together for centuries in the Americas, and for good reason: they naturally work in concert with each other....

How To Grow Three Sisters Mix

December 12, 2022

Corn, beans, and squash have been grown together for centuries in the Americas, and for good reason: they naturally work in concert with each other. Corn provides a growing support for the beans, which...

Companion Planting

May 20, 2021

West Coast Seeds has conducted significant research into the companion planting guidelines and has defined the best possible results and reasons for each of our...

Companion Planting

May 20, 2021

West Coast Seeds has conducted significant research into the companion planting guidelines and has defined the best possible results and reasons for each of our recommendations in our companion planting chart, below are a...

How to Grow Dry Beans

April 14, 2021

Dry beans are an ecologically sound foodstuff in today’s world. Being a bean, they produce at least part of their own nitrogen supply with the...

How to Grow Dry Beans

April 14, 2021

Dry beans are an ecologically sound foodstuff in today’s world. Being a bean, they produce at least part of their own nitrogen supply with the help of symbiotic bacteria, which live in the soil....

How to Grow Soya Beans

April 14, 2021

The immature seeds of the edible soya bean are a nutritious snack. Steam or boil the whole pods for 3-5 minutes and set out, salted...

How to Grow Soya Beans

April 14, 2021

The immature seeds of the edible soya bean are a nutritious snack. Steam or boil the whole pods for 3-5 minutes and set out, salted or unsalted, as a fun finger-food. This treat is...

How to Grow Pole Beans

April 14, 2021

Many people feel that pole beans have a richer bean flavour than bush beans. The effort of trellising them is more than repaid by the...

How to Grow Pole Beans

April 14, 2021

Many people feel that pole beans have a richer bean flavour than bush beans. The effort of trellising them is more than repaid by the ease of picking and their extended, abundant harvest. Pole...

How to Grow Runner Beans

April 14, 2021

If planted in a well-drained site, with protection for the roots from frost over the winter, runner beans can be grown as a perennial. Otherwise,...

How to Grow Runner Beans

April 14, 2021

If planted in a well-drained site, with protection for the roots from frost over the winter, runner beans can be grown as a perennial. Otherwise, enjoy them as fast-growing annuals plants. Runner beans are...

How to Grow Bush Beans

March 18, 2021

Direct sow from mid-spring to early summer. Try to plant during a warm, dry spell. Soil must be warm – if it is not warm...

How to Grow Bush Beans

March 18, 2021

Direct sow from mid-spring to early summer. Try to plant during a warm, dry spell. Soil must be warm – if it is not warm enough, the seeds may rot, especially our untreated seeds....

Garden Planning 101

January 13, 2021

With over 1,100 seed varieties to choose from, finding a clear path to the checkout can feel overwhelming. There are beginner mistakes to be made...

Garden Planning 101

January 13, 2021

With over 1,100 seed varieties to choose from, finding a clear path to the checkout can feel overwhelming. There are beginner mistakes to be made - as well as ways for seasoned gardeners to...

About Soya Beans

September 30, 2020

The soya bean (or soybean) is another legume that has been in cultivation for a very long time. They have been grown in China and...

About Soya Beans

September 30, 2020

The soya bean (or soybean) is another legume that has been in cultivation for a very long time. They have been grown in China and the Korean peninsula, along with millet, rice, and barley...

About Broad Beans

September 29, 2020

Broad beans are likely the easiest garden vegetable to grow, and they’re a good variety for introducing children to gardening—though they may not be as...

About Broad Beans

September 29, 2020

Broad beans are likely the easiest garden vegetable to grow, and they’re a good variety for introducing children to gardening—though they may not be as much of a hit with a lot of kids...

Time to Plant Legumes

September 14, 2020

It’s September, and much of the garden has been put to bed. As we approach the autumnal equinox, daylight hours begin to recede noticeably. Sunflower heads have...

Time to Plant Legumes

September 14, 2020

It’s September, and much of the garden has been put to bed. As we approach the autumnal equinox, daylight hours begin to recede noticeably. Sunflower heads have been cut for drying, tomatoes have been picked green...

About Beans

May 19, 2020

The bean is an annual plant of the family Fabaceae. This is a huge plant family, with over 19,000 species, so there are many interesting...

About Beans

May 19, 2020

The bean is an annual plant of the family Fabaceae. This is a huge plant family, with over 19,000 species, so there are many interesting facts about beans. Only orchids and asters outnumber the...

Starter Seeds for Kids

September 14, 2014

In this time of garden dreaming, you may be dreaming of a child’s garden as well, whether it’s for your own family or for a...

Starter Seeds for Kids

September 14, 2014

In this time of garden dreaming, you may be dreaming of a child’s garden as well, whether it’s for your own family or for a school or childcare centre. Or perhaps your budding gardeners...

Saving the Harvest

September 10, 2014

Preserving Summer Morning chill and shorter daylight hours signify the slowing down of the summer garden. We harvest and share the last of our favourites...

Saving the Harvest

September 10, 2014

Preserving Summer Morning chill and shorter daylight hours signify the slowing down of the summer garden. We harvest and share the last of our favourites – tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, corn, peppers, but we also...

How to Grow Broad Beans

September 09, 2014

Broad beans are a member of the pea family, and are one of the oldest known cultivated plants. Broad beans are also known many other...

How to Grow Broad Beans

September 09, 2014

Broad beans are a member of the pea family, and are one of the oldest known cultivated plants. Broad beans are also known many other names: fava beans, Windsor beans, faba bean, and horse...

Nitrogen fixers

August 26, 2014

Here’s a bit of geeky plant science for you. David Bradbeer at the Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust sent me this great image of the...

Nitrogen fixers

August 26, 2014

Here’s a bit of geeky plant science for you. David Bradbeer at the Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust sent me this great image of the roots of white clover. You can plainly see bumps...

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